Why doesn't weight or height matter?

3foldchord

I'm sure it's a very simple explanation that my mind isn't grasping....
But why doesn't height and/or weight matter for determining body fat % when using calipers? The chart is just "find your age group." I would think one or the other might matter in addition to the thickness of the skin fold., but I guess skin thickness is the same (not including fat), maybe that's all there is to it?

ewartluft

Bump. I was just wondering about this a couple minutes ago! I'm 5'0" and used to hearing statements start something like, "but because you're so short..."

DatMurse

I'm sure it's a very simple explanation that my mind isn't grasping....
But why doesn't height and/or weight matter for determining body fat % when using calipers? The chart is just "find your age group." I would think one or the other might matter in addition to the thickness of the skin fold., but I guess skin thickness is the same (not including fat), maybe that's all there is to it?

just so you know.... there are reasons why calipers are a horrid way of keeping track of bodyfat %.
Very inaccurate.

heybales

Because the super simple charts included with it are terrible for that.

There are better methods, sadly the best accuracy potential is in the hands of skilled person, and some sites you can't do yourself anyway.
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html

That more accurate 7-site does factor in gender and age.

Then tables are based on studies, you can see the results of those studies on that site for potential accuracy. 3.5 to 3.8 SEE.

3foldchord

Because the super simple charts included with it are terrible for that.

There are better methods, sadly the best accuracy potential is in the hands of skilled person, and some sites you can't do yourself anyway.
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html

That more accurate 7-site does factor in gender and age.

Then tables are based on studies, you can see the results of those studies on that site for potential accuracy. 3.5 to 3.8 SEE.

thanks, I'll check out that site/study/a better chart which factors age and more skin folds.

I know calipers are not the best, but. I keep reading they are better than the hand held thing at the gym or the scale you step on....and I'm not paying to have that bod pod thing every month. I figure if I take measures at the same spots each time than I can at least see an overall trend up or down.

heybales

I know calipers are not the best, but. I keep reading they are better than the hand held thing at the gym or the scale you step on....and I'm not paying to have that bod pod thing every month. I figure if I take measures at the same spots each time than I can at least see an overall trend up or down.

Oh, they can all be 5% accurate if used correctly. Average a bunch of 5% together and get a good value. Include the circumference measurement methods, as you might see the most movement in those.

Sarauk2sf

Because the super simple charts included with it are terrible for that.

There are better methods, sadly the best accuracy potential is in the hands of skilled person, and some sites you can't do yourself anyway.
http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/BodyComp.html

That more accurate 7-site does factor in gender and age.

Then tables are based on studies, you can see the results of those studies on that site for potential accuracy. 3.5 to 3.8 SEE.

thanks, I'll check out that site/study/a better chart which factors age and more skin folds.

I know calipers are not the best, but. I keep reading they are better than the hand held thing at the gym or the scale you step on....and I'm not paying to have that bod pod thing every month. I figure if I take measures at the same spots each time than I can at least see an overall trend up or down.

If you use them correctly, they are more accurate than the handheld devices and the scales. Bod pods are not actually that accurate either.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/830595-body-fat-estimation-methods